Shelan Aldridge / Neighborhood House

Please welcome to the blog esteemed community partner Shelan Alridge. Shelan is an Adult Education & Employment Manager at Neighborhood House, a non-profit organization in Washington State that has been fighting poverty and creating stronger communities since 1906.

Hi Shelan. Thanks for joining us on the blog. To start, can you give us an overview of your organization?

Shelan: Neighborhood House is a non-profit organization with a mission to help diverse communities of people with limited resources attain their goals for self-sufficiency, financial independence, health and community building. We offer everything from parent home visiting programs, to citizenship classes, to employment programs that help people find jobs.

Who is eligible to apply for services at Neighborhood House?

Shelan: The eligibility for different programs varies, but most services focus on individuals or families that have low or no income.

Are there any specific resources offered through Neighborhood House that you would like to spotlight at this time?

Shelan: Yes! Neighborhood House has employment services in South King County that I'd like to highlight. We're big into education and several of our employment programs support students in different ways while they are going to school / completing training. Some of our programs pay for GED testing fees, while others help connect students to community resources or jobs.

Oftentimes, we see students struggling to find jobs after they complete their training programs. Our skilled and dedicated employment specialists come alongside students to help them develop a targeted resume; train them how to highlight newly-learned skills in an interview; and assist with online job applications and job leads. We use a team approach and have a career developer who develops relationships with employers in their community. We often connect our job seekers to job openings with those employers and advocate on their behalf.

Employment specialists are also able to help students overcome other barriers they may be facing that make completing school or finding a job difficult. At times, it's a housing issue or eviction notice. Or it's the inability to get a job or get to school because of a transportation issue. Once the person qualifies and enrolls, some programs can offer limited support services, such as one time rental assistance, interview clothing, or a bus pass need for job search or vocational training.

If any of your students who are reading this are motivated to work and are interested in enrolling into one of our employment programs, feel free to send me an email. We're a community-based organization, so it doesn't cost anything to enroll. I'll be happy to connect them to one of our employment specialists who can do an assessment to see if they qualify.

Shelan Aldridge is an Adult Education & Employment Manager with Neighborhood House. She can be reached at shelana@nhwa.org. For more information about Neighborhood House, you can also visit nhwa.org.  

Updated Training Benefits Application

If you're currently receiving unemployment benefits in Washington State, and are interested in attending a local community / technical college to update your skills or to retrain for a new occupation, you'll definitely want to get your hands on a Training Benefits application. Why? Because you have to get permission to go to school from the Employment Security Department. Filling out a Training Benefits application is one way of doing just that.

We last discussed Training Benefits in an earlier post, wwwaaaaayyy back in 2010. Since the Employment Security Department  recently updated the application, now seems like a great time to review the subject.

First, let's define our terms. When a person fills out a Training Benefits application, (s)he is asking the Employment Security Department for two things: Training Benefits (TB) and Commissioner Approved Training (CAT). This is why the application is sometimes casually referred to as a TB/CAT application.

As defined by the Employment Security Department, Training Benefits are "extra weeks of [unemployment] benefits after regular unemployment benefits and any federally funded programs have run out." More weeks of unemployment, in other words, designed to kick in on the backend, after regular benefits and federal extensions have been exhausted.

Commissioner Approved Training is exactly what it sounds like: Approval for Training, from the Commissioner of the Employment Security Department.  Permission to go to school, in other words, as well as permission to suspend the job-search requirement that claimants typically adhere to.

The Training Benefits application, itself, is only nine pages long, but requires some work to complete because it asks for information about: your previous occupation; the degree or certificate program you intend to enroll in; future jobs you will be qualified to fill once you've finished the degree / certificate; as well as information about your current availability for work.

Have specific questions about Training Benefits or Commissioner Approved Training? Go to your local WorkSource employment center or call the Employment Security Department's Training Benefits hotline at 1-877-600-7701.

Student Success Profile: Chelsie McCalla

Chelsie McCalla, OTA Grad

Today's student success profile features an informative Q and A with Chelsie McCalla. Chelsie is a Workforce Education student who is about to graduate from Green River's Occupational Therapy Assistant program. As Chelsie puts it, "If you love people and are looking for a rewarding career, OTA is where it's at!" Check out her story below.

Hi Chelsie. What's it like being a student in the OTA program at Green River?

Chelsie: I would have to say that it's fun! I know that sounds a little crazy ,but it is actually a really fun program and you learn a ton. It is a progressive program in that it starts off really easy and each quarter the intensity progresses, so by the end you are well trained and ready to practice. At times there were moments when I thought to myself, why am I doing this? But trust me it all pays off and comes together.
 

Can you tell us the story of how you decided to pursue training as an Occupational Therapy Assistant?

Chelsie: Previously before deciding to go into the OTA field I was currently working in retail. My previous jobs were all people-orientated, working in customer service. I knew that I enjoyed working with people. I later experienced jobs still involving customer service, but  was tired of sitting at a desk. I found that that was a little boring to me, so I decided to do some research and look into jobs that involved working with people, but had a little more freedom in moving around throughout the day and not just tied to a desk.My latest job was working at a bank and I was let go, so I was able to draw unemployment. I was told by Workforce Education that I could go to school and get training. I was real hesitant at first to look into schooling because I had no money and I did not want to acquire any debt. I started to do research and I came across physical therapy. Workforce Education said that this was a training program that qualified for funding through their programs. I went to Green River and looked at the program, and at the pre-requisite classes required, and began my school career. I finished all required classes and was just about to formally apply for the PTA program, when I failed one of the prerequisite classes, good old Math! One of the counselors suggested that instead of waiting a whole another year for the opportunity to apply, that I instead apply for the OTA program since all the prerequisites were pretty much the same. So I did and I got in. Sometimes plan B works out better then plan A.
 

How has Workforce Education helped you towards completing your goals?

Chelsie: Workforce Education has been EXTREMELY helpful from the moment I stepped onto the college. They have had workforce counselors onsite to answer any questions needed, made filling out paper work and faxing documents very easy. They are very flexible and accommodating to my class schedules if I needed to make an appointment. At times an unexpected glitch may have come up and I always could go into their office. I might be feeling STRESSED out, but they would sort out the problem with me so I never felt like I was  left  hanging! Also they are very resourceful of notifying you of resources that you qualify for or changes that effect you. Overall all I can say is that they are very helpful in assisting me to reach my goals.
 

You're nearing completing of your degree. Congrats! What advice would you have for new students who are thinking about applying for admission to the OTA program?

Chelsie: The advice I would give is, if you love people and  if you are looking for a rewarding career OTA is where it's at. I can truly say that this whole college experiences has been truly fun. Yes, hard work is involved, but it is all worth it. The teachers, counselors, and other staff are all there to help you get through it and they really do. Also, for new students: to be successful, stay on top of your work and try to be organized!

$$$ Tip! All four Workforce Education funding programs—BFET, Opportunity Grant, Worker Retraining, and WorkFirst—support OTA training at Green River.

Student Success Profile: Trisha McKay

Trisha McKay

Today's success profile features a brief Q and A with Trisha McKay. Trisha is a Workforce Education student who is nearing completion of an Administrative Assistant degree at Green River. She graduates this June and has big plans in store for the future. Check out her story below.

Hi Trisha. Thanks for joining us on the blog. What's it like to be a student in the Administrative Assistant program at Green River?

Trisha: At first it was very scary, but well worth the hard work and effort that I put in. I have met a lot of fun and interesting people within all my classes and I have enjoyed meeting all the instructors. I have learned how to improve not only my skills but also my personal life with what I have learned. I have fully enjoyed my last two years here at Green River and I will miss going to school.

Can you tell us the story of how you decided to pursue training in this field?

Trisha: In January 2009, I was five months pregnant with my second child and was laid off of work. I tried to look for work for about a year and was getting nowhere with only 18 months experience within the Administrative field and no schooling. I had very little knowledge about software and decided if the economy was so bad that I couldn't find work that I really should look into furthering my career by going back to school. I found out about Federal Financial Aid and Workforce Education through my DSHS worker in Auburn and got approved right away.

How has Workforce Education helped you towards completing your goals?

Trisha: If it wasn't for Workforce Education I would not have had funding or the assistance I needed lining up daycare (no daycare means no time for school). Also, I was originally going for an Administrative Assistant certificate, but realized I could earn multiple certifcates ultimately leading to a degree, in about the same amount of time. Workforce Education ensured I had enough funding to complete my degree.

You're close to completing your degree. Congrats! What are your plans after graduation?

Trisha: Well, as for graduation I am really excited and very proud of the hard work and achievements that I have completed. My June is very, very busy. Just one week after graduation I will be getting married to a great man. Then I hopefully will be able to find a career (instead of just a job) with a company that will fully benefit me as well as my now growing family.

$$$ Tip! All four Workforce Education funding programs - BFET, Opportunity Grant, Worker Retraining, and WorkFirst - support Administrative Assistant training at Green River. 

Student Success Profile: Jenny S

Today's success profile features a Q and A with Jenny S., a Workforce Education student who is enrolled in one of Green River's more popular and demanding programs - Practical Nursing. Jenny provides a compelling inside look at what it means to be a nursing student. Check out her story below.

Hi Jenny. What is it like being a student in Green River's Practical Nursing program?

Jenny: It is like having two full-time jobs! One being in school on campus, and the other all the hours studying.

Can you briefly tell us the story of how you decided to pursue training in this field?

Jenny: I have always wanted to be a nurse and after being laid off, I thought it was the perfect time to pursue my dream.

How has Workforce Education helped you towards completing your goals?

Jenny: Workforce Education has been there for me since day one! It is a hard road to navigate from being employed full-time and transitioning to a full-time student. Since I was laid off I applied for Training Benefits (additional weeks of UI benefits) through the Employment Security Department. I didn't know where to start, but I was fortunate in having Workforce Education on my side during the process. In the beginning, I was emailing, calling, and going into their office about once a week! And every time I was helped and guided in the right direction. I will forever be grateful as I know this is a difficult path to navigate alone.

What advice would you have for new students who are thinking about pursuing Practical Nursing training at Green River?

Jenny: I would say go for it! Make the commitment to yourself and stick to it no matter what. It is hard and for two years school will be your life, but it will be worth it in the end. I will finally have a college education, working as a nurse and doing what I love.

$$$ Tip! All four Workforce Education funding programs - BFET, Opportunity Grant, Worker Retraining, and WorkFirst - support Practical Nursing training at Green River.       

Student Success Profile: Elsie Quitevis

Elsie Quitevis

Today's success profile features a Q and A with Elsie Quitevis. Elsie is a Workforce Education student who is enrolled in the Administrative Assistant program at Green River. She's completed multiple certificates and is now setting her sights on a career in the Administrative Assistant field. Check out her story below.

Hi Elsie. Thanks for joining us on the blog. What is it like being a student in the Administrative Assistant program at Green River?

Elsie: First of all, I would like to thank the entire Workforce Education family at GRCC for their assistance and for giving me the opportunity to go back to school. Being in this program has been a very fulfilling experience. I learned a lot from my instructors and I have met different kinds of students with different nationalities and backgrounds.

Can you tell us the story of how you decided to pursue training in this field of study?

Elsie: I worked for two years as a production worker, but because of the economic crisis I was laid off due to lack of work. I tried searching for a job for a couple of months but received no response. I tried to apply for clerical positions but they required experience. While I have 20 years of experience as a government employee, that was in my country, which I can't apply here. I went to WorkSource. My trainer there asked me if I would like to go to school with no expenses and so opportunity knocked on my door and I grabbed it right away. WorkSource directed me to go to Workforce Education at GRCC to inquire about their programs and they accommodated me. Now, I'm pursuing my final Administrative Assistant certificate and hopefully will finish at the end of the spring quarter, 2013. Once again, thank you Workforce Education!

You're completed multiple Administrative Assistant-related certificates. Congrats! What are your plans after graduation?

Elsie: Thank you. My plans after graduation are to apply for a job and, if hired, to save money to support my two kids for their schooling.

What advice would you have for new students who are thinking about pursuing training in a similar field of study?

Elsie: My advice for them is to study hard because for me, education is the greatest foundation in a person's life, and it is also the key to success. Another piece of advice is, if they need funding assistance for their schooling, go to Workforce Education at GRCC and they will embrace you and lend a helping hand with open hearts.

$$$ Tip! All four Workforce Education funding programs - BFET, Opportunity Grant, Worker Retraining, and WorkFirst, - support Administrative Assistant training at Green River.

Student Success Profile: Victor Santoyo

Today's student success profile features a Q and A with Victor Santoyo. Victor is a Workforce Education student who originally came to Green River to earn his GED. Now, he's wrapping up dual degrees in Information Technology. Victor's education, combined with his commitment to excellence, helped him land an IT-support job at a local company. Check out the story of his success below!

Hi Victor. Thanks for joining us on the blog. What's it like to be a student in the Information Technology program at Green River?

Victor: Being a student in the Information Technology program was a scary and exciting feeling at the same time. Throughout the time I've been in the IT program here at Green River, it's been one the best experiences in my life. The IT instructors are very knowledgeable, using their years of collective experience in the information technology field and sharing it with students, which is a major advantage, versus just getting information out of a book. Plus, they give hands-on instruction that familiarizes students with computer hardware and software issues in order to hone troubleshooting skills. The other advantage that I felt the Green River's IT program provides, is virtual machines for students to get familiar with the different types of operating systems that are available, which gives a you an advantage of being prepared. I really do believe that you get your money's worth here at Green River's Information Technology program. I was able to complete my AAS degree in IT Networking in Fall quarter 2012, and I'm going to complete my AAS degree in IT Computer Support Specialist at the end of Winter quarter 2013.

Can you tell us the story of how you decided to pursue training in this field?

Victor: Here is a little background information what lead me to choose information technology.  I initially came to Green River to get my GED in the Fall of 2010, and at the same time take classes to become in interpreter, but soon found out the Green River didn't offer any of these types of classes.  I soon felt that I didn't know what I really wanted to study. As I got close to completing my GED,  I started looking in the winter schedule to see if Green River offered any type of classes for computer repair. I met Gus Gomez, an IT instructor, and he explained the types of  IT degrees the Green River offered and shortly after that he mapped out my class schedule from beginning to end.  

You've already earned one IT degree and you're about to complete a second. Two degrees, wow! What are your future plans?

Victor: My plans for the future are to continue pursuing my Bachelors degree in Networking and possibly later on a degree in Business Management. Recently, I just got hired as IT support for a company in Tukwila and it's a great feeling that this is just the beginning of my career. 

What advice would you have for new students who are thinking about pursuing training in the field of Information Technology?

Victor: I would say to new students: Apply yourself in the class environment. The instructors are there to teach you, as well as to learn from students. IT certifications are also important in getting a job because employers are looking for candidates who have certifications. It demonstrates to potential employers that you took time to go beyond  just taking the class and really understand the concepts. 

$$$ Tip! The following Workforce Education funding programs support IT training pathways at Green River: BFET, Worker Retraining, and WorkFirst.  

Math Learning Center: Adrienne Palmer

Adrienne Palmer

Today's post features a Q and A with math guru Adrienne Palmer. Adrienne has been working as an adjunct math instructor at Green River since 1995, and has coordinated the college's Math Learning Center since 2000. Her message to students struggling with math? Take advantage of tutoring services in the Math Learning Center, ask lots of questions, and make a point of going to class EVERY day. Check out our conversation below!

Hi Adrienne. Thanks for joining us on the blog. You coordinate the Math Learning Center, which offers an array of free, math-related services to Green River students. Can you provide a short overview of services?

Adrienne: Probably the most utilized service the Math Learning Center offers is our drop-in peer tutoring. We have both student and community members who value education and offer their time to help out our students.  In addition to the tutoring, students are able to rent calculators for the quarter, and to check out any current math textbook and some solutions manuals for an hour or so. If a student has forgotten their calculator on an exam day, they can borrow one from us while they take their exam.

You've worked as a math instructor at Green River since 1995; as such, you have a solid understanding of what factors contribute to student success. What are some practical steps students can take to be more successful in their math classes?

Adrienne: I always tell my students that if they want to succeed in my math classes, they really need to make a point of going to class every day.  Even missing one day of class will set a student behind.  To become successful in math, you need to go to class EVERY day, listen well and take notes, look over your notes, do the homework problems on the day it is assigned (don’t wait until the day before it’s due – by then you may already have forgotten how to do most of the problems), and don’t be afraid of asking questions.  Once you get familiar enough with the problems, you start realizing that most of math has a pattern to it.  

On a more personal note, what do you like most about teaching math?

Adrienne: I love explaining  math problems to students and seeing that light bulb go off in their heads. It’s very rewarding to have a student make all the connections and see the big picture.  Also, I just love being in  the classroom and sharing my knowledge with them.  I like walking around the room and seeing my students working collaboratively on problems. Being in the classroom gives me an energy boost that takes me through my day. 

The Math Tutoring Center is located in the BI building, rooms 5 and 6. You can find hours of operation and a detailed overview of services by visiting the MLC on the web.

Student Success Profile: Roberta Marta

Today's student success profile features a brief Q and A with Roberta Marta. Roberta is a Workforce Education student who is enrolled in the Accounting program at Green River. Training in this field enhanced Roberta's project management background. In fact, she started a new job last month as a project manager with a local company. Check out her story below!

Hi Roberta. Thanks for joining us on the blog. Can you tell us what it's like to be a student in the Accounting program at Green River?

Roberta: It has been a very fulfilling experience being in the Accounting program. Being laid off due to economic conditions was quite a struggle, but being able to work and improve my skill set within a professional environment was a big part of my success. My training gave me confidence in obtaining a new job. The instructors strive to help students reach their goals and get the most out of each course.

Can you tell us the story of how you decided to pursue training in this field of study?

Roberta: I chose the Accounting field to better enhance the project management background I have. All of the classes have been very applicable to my skill set and have aided me in my current job field. I started a new job about a month ago as a project manager with Potelco Inc.

What advice would you have for new students who are thinking about pursuing training in a similar field of study?

Roberta: I would highly recommend that others pursue similar training. I feel that Green River is a great place to freshen up skills or enhance the skill set you already have. In particular, the Accounting program is very applicable to many different career paths.

 $$$ Tip! All four Workforce Education funding programs - BFET, Opportunity Grant, Worker Retraining, WorkFirst - support Accounting pathways at Green River.